TIME MACHINE ... Princess Anne's Celebrated "Mule Case!"

March, 1884

(The New York Times)

A LEARNED JUDGE AND A MULE

From The Wilmington (Del) Every Evening.

The celebrated "mule case" was decided in Princess Anne, Md., last week, and the people of Somerset County now breathe more freely. Squire Warwick rendered the decision in the presence of everybody who could squeeze into his office. The evidence in the case showed that Augustus Reid sold the mule to R.L.T. Dixon for $70, taking the payment in two notes, one for $50 and one for $20. The note for $20 was to be met in cash; the other was payable in goods from Dixon's mill. Dixon took his mule home and tried to make him work, but the long eared beast had made up his mind not to do anything, and he stuck to that resolve with pertinacity. Thereupon Dixon entered a plea of value not received, and refused to redeem the notes. Hence the suit. Four lawyers took hold of the case, and there were witnesses produced to testify that the mule was worth all the way from nothing downward or upward, as there sympathies vibrated between purchaser and seller. The hearing occupied the greater part of two days, the Squire taking the second day to review the evidence and the arguments and consider the best way out of the controversy. He finally came to the conclusion that the ends of justice would best be served by awarding the mule to Reid and requiring Dixon to pay the *costs. The lawyers consider the decision a little irregular, but the people generally hold that, as the mule possessed no monetary value, the Squire would have done violence to those great principles of justice which underline the framework of all jurisprudence had he required Dixon to pay anything for the animal.

Footnote: *(assume reference to court costs)
P.S. How do you think Judge Judy would have ruled?


April, 1949

At a meeting of the Medical And Chiurgical Faculty Of Maryland Dr. Norman Sartorius Jr. of Pocomoke, a Faculty delegate, spoke out against a compulsory health insurance plan proposed by the group. Dr. Sartorius said his Worcester County group opposed the plan and termed it an appeasement of fedreral efforts for a compulsory health insurance program.


March, 1889

(The Herald And Torchlight- Hagerstown, Md.)

About eight o'clock last Thursday evening the large steam and planing mill, situated in the center of Pocomoke City, and owned by Messrs. Young and Colbourn, caught fire and was burned to the ground. The new fire engine and recently organized fire company did good service in saving the southwestern end of town, which certainly must have gone but for the assistance rendered by the engine. The loss was about twenty thousand dollars, covered by insurance.


TIME-SNIP ... May, 1906

(The Daily News- Frederick, Md.)

The smallpox scare at Crisfield is dying out, business is normal and schools resumed their sessions.


August, 1965

Country music fans on the Eastern Shore were looking forward to a big show at the Wicomico Youth And Civic Center in Salisbury, featuring Ernest Tubb And The Texas Troubadours, Loretta Lyn, and Carl & Earl Butler. Pre-show entertainment would be provided by the popular local group Bill Godfrey & His String Kings. Advance tickets were $1.50 for adults and $1.00 for children; 50-cents higher on the night of the show.


Across The USA

January, 1955

The Blytheville, Arkansas Courier was publicizing a show with "young hillbilly singing star" Elvis Presley to be held at the Leachville High School gymnasium. Proceeds from the show would go to the Leachville senior class fund.


February, 1955

A Grand Old Opry show was coming to Abilene, Texas with top billing going to Hank Snow With His Rainbow Ranch Hands and The Duke Of Paducah, but also appearing in the show would be "Elvis Presley And His Bop Band." Advance tickets were $1.00, or $1.50 at the door.



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